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Stress, a single-edged sword
Some
skeptics say, regarding theories of the
possibilities of reaching the age of 120, “There are
better health services, we practice prevention,
medications and other conditions are increasing the
average useful life in today’s world, but who is
controlling the stress that causes such agitation in
modern life, itself threatened by environmental
problems?”
These are tensions that originate in the imbalance
of human beings’ biochemical systems, known by
scientists as oxidant stress, a condition offering
only one alternative: harm to health.
Dr.
Alberto J. Nuñez Sellés, a member of the Cuban
Academy of Science and other international
institutions, calls the aging process a typical
example of the influence of oxidant stress on the
human organism, actually starting from the moment of
a baby’s birth.
The
academic, who is author of various scientific works,
emphasizes that the potential longevity of a human
being at birth depends on the qualities of the sperm
and the ovule, as well as the application of healthy
living habits by both parents.
Dr.
Nuñez Sellés recommends that before conceiving, a
couple should undergo some type of genetic advice.
The couple’s health habits and adequate nutrition
during pregnancy will allow the “little one” that is
a newborn, but already 9 months old, to aspire to a
long life and to reaching the human life potential
of 120 years or more.
This
brings up an illustrative anecdote about the role of
parents and the family in general in the formation
of habits and values beginning with a child’s birth.
It
is said that a peasant woman, holding her baby, once
went to the Russian educator Anton Makarenko to ask
him to oversee her little one’s education, because
she did not want to waste time getting started.
Makarenko asked the baby’s age, and when she replied
that he was six months old, the educator explained,
“Well, if you’re wanting to start now, you’ve
already lost six months of the baby’s education.”
Dr.
Nuñez Sallés emphasizes the healthy growing
environment children should have, as well as
hygiene, nutrition and other habits that need to be
taught.
If
the baby’s maturing process takes place in a hostile
environment, where there is continuous fighting, or
in the worst of cases, a separation of the parents,
there may be disastrous consequences, he warns. That
is why even if the parents should separate, by
mutual accord both of them should continue taking
care of their children. He says that more than 90%
of elementary and secondary school-age children with
behavioral or school-related problems spent their
childhood or adolescence in an undesirable
environment.
He
adds that adolescence is perhaps the most complex
stage, and decisive in terms of attaining longevity.
It is when the body’s main organs mature, when the
future adult’s psychological profile begins to form,
and when habits – good or bad – acquired during
childhood are either strengthened or weakened.
Sexual anxieties increase, and important metabolic
changes begin, reflected in the body and psyche.
In
addition, it is during this time that the family and
its system of training play a predominant role in
forming motivation for a responsible and healthy
life. Hence, he explains, it is not so surprising
that aspects of the educational and cultural systems
and social life are linked together during
adolescence in determining whether one can aspire to
a satisfactory long life.
In
reference to the various stages of life, he
maintains that it is generally accepted that human
physical development peaks at around 25 years of
age, with a maximum scale of intellectual maturity
at 45 years. From then on, a slow process of retreat
begins until 65, at which time it is considered that
the so-called third age, or mature adult, stage
begins.
The
years between 25 and 65 form the most intense stage
of a man or woman’s life, both physically and
intellectually. At the same time, it is when the
consequences of various types of stress are
reflected with greater intensity on the body’s
biochemistry, generally associated with the
appearance of transmissible or chronic contagious
diseases, he says.
Perhaps most critical during this time to later
achieving a satisfactory longevity is the feeling of
being content with one’s self.
The
doctor here cites Cuban hero José Martí, who wrote
that during his life, man should plant a tree, have
a child and write a book.
In
thinking over this idea of Martí’s, he reflects that
planting a tree is an expression of durability;
having a child, apart from the biological need of
the species to reproduce, is the continuity of a
family and its values; and writing a book is the
maximum aspiration of cultural fulfillment. How can
one think of writing a book if one cannot read or
write? Beyond that, how can one better enjoy life if
one does not know how to appreciate a book, a
painting’s esthetic values and message, a play or
film, or a classical or folkloric dance?
The
academic confirms that human beings can live to the
age of 120, expanding more on that period of life
that can extend for up to 55 years (between 65 and
120), the longest in the aging process.
It
is when major physical limitations appear if
necessary preventative measures have not been taken
during previous years, but it is the time of
greatest accumulated experience. One aspect that has
received much attention in scientific literature, he
continues, is the increase of oxidant stress
indicators in adults over 65. He recommends an
adequate balance in diet, physical exercise and
vitamin supplements under strict medical supervision
to be able to face this stage with a greater life
expectancy. But, he concludes, the older adult’s
participation in social and cultural activity is
more important than ever, since there is nothing
further from a satisfactory long life than an person
being shut away at home, depending on family,
neighbors or friends to continue being an active
social being.
STRESS CONTROL EQUALS LONGER LIFE
It
is true that as a species, humans must face everyday
calamities, but it is also undeniable that one can
learn to control stress so that it is not damaging.
This is also a way of living longer.
This
illness can harm the body, affect personal
relationships and school or work, for example.
Nevertheless, it is possible to learn how to control
this condition whose source may lie in things we do
every day as well as exceptional events. Its
symptoms, which are different in every person,
include constant tiredness, reduced or notably
increased appetite, drinking more coffee, a higher
alcohol consumption, increased smoking, going to the
bathroom more or less frequently, pains not caused
by exercise and changed sleeping habits. One feels
nervous or more angry than usual.
Stress is part of life. It can not be completely
avoided. But what can be changed is the way one
reacts to tensions.
Specialists have methods and medications to help
patients find healthier ways of reducing the effects
of stress. But the most important are physical
exercise and relaxation, seeing the positive side of
life, enjoying or joining in cultural activities,
listening to music, reading edifying works,
organizing balanced and small meals and drinking 4-8
glasses or water a day.
And,
naturally, reducing or eliminating alcohol and
coffee.
There are other disorders, such as post-traumatic
stress, a state of anxiety that may emerge after
experiencing a traumatic event that causes terror,
impotence or extreme horror.
Studies suggest that 2-9% of the population suffers
from some degree of the condition. The American
Association of Anxiety Disorders notes that 15-30%
of the 3.5 million men and women who fought in Viet
Nam have suffered from post-traumatic stress. Still
to be assessed are disorders stemming from the
aggressions against Afghanistan and Iraq, tensions
related to the September 11 incidents, and the Bush
government’s policies of aggression following those
tragic events.
For more information:
redac2@granmai.cip.cu |
